Local Amenities and Activities

La Petite Maison is conveniently situated within easy reach of a number of recreational sites, which makes it an ideal location for a varied and entertaining holiday. Whilst it is set in a tranquil hamlet surrounded by fields, it is only a few minutes drive from the local market town of Bellac, which has ample shopping facilities including three supermarkets. It also has a large, open air, swimming pool and a tourist office whose staff, in addition to being very helpful, speak English.

There are also many excellent restaurants that offer a wide choice of menus ranging from the simple three course lunch at 10 €uros to the gourmet, many-coursed meal at 30 €uros and beyond. This area, The Limousin, is of course famed for its beef and also has a reputation in France for some of the finest lamb. Although wine is not made locally, the Limousin borders many wine producing regions, and therefore offers a wide variety of wines at delightfully low prices.

The Limousin is a relatively undiscovered region of France and therefore is by no means overcrowded. It is both the garden and the 'lake district' of France and is a joy to visit. Whether exploring the area by car or on foot, there is much to warrant your interest, enabling you to enjoy a holiday with a difference.

Within a fifteen minute picturesque drive, is the lake of St.Pardoux, which has a number of pleasant beaches from which to swim (with life guards in the season), picnic areas, a bar, a pool with water shoots and various boating and canoeing activities. Alternatively, a thirty-five minute drive takes you to the vast Lac de Vassiviere with similar amenities available. Even at the height of the season, the unspoilt beaches are still far from crowded and are comfortable to visit.

The nearest large city is Limoges, 'The Red City', famed for its porcelain and enamel work. It is a wonderful mixture of the old and new, both in its architecture and its shopping facilities. A shopping mall and streets full of modern boutiques are side by side with the older, more traditional shops and a vast variety of restaurants. There is much in Limoges to delight the senses and much that is new to see and to visit.

In a little over an hours drive, there is the charming town of Poitiers which again, is well worth a visit. Only a short drive from here is Futuroscope, as is the new 'Vallee de Singes' which houses over 30 species of primates and 350 animals without cages. There are also a number of other specialist wildlife parks within the region. Futuroscope is a serious days outing and the facilities are marvellous.

The area is also one of great historic interest from a number of periods. There are a variety of places to visit on the route of Richard the Lionheart ranging from Coussac Bonneval and the Chateau de Bonneval to Arnac-Pompadour, which too boasts a fine chateau. We are also very close to the Blond Mountains, which have marvellous walks and the ancient village of Mortmarte where an art or antique show is often in progress.

On a sadder note, it is a 20 minute drive to the town of Oradour-sur-Glane, where, on the 10th June 1944, a company of 120 men of the Der Fuhrer DasReich Second Panzer Division, massacred almost the entire population.

By orders of General de Gaulle, who visited the town in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, it is maintained in the condition in which it was left by the Nazis, and stands as a permanent reminder and memorial to the innocent citizens who perished there.

It is a well worthwhile visit and a reminder of some of the more recent history of the area.

The above is but a brief glimpse of the many possibilities, which are available in the area. There are also many activities including go-karting, horse riding, fishing, canoeing, various watersports and the most beautiful forest walks.

The number of visitors who return year after year is a tribute to this unique holiday region and also explains why it is such a favourite with the Parisians. We sincerely hope that you will be able to visit the region and look forward to personally extending you a warm welcome.